The Fox Terrier is a small black and white disturbance which afflicts and delights many a family. The Fox Terrier has straight legs,an active expressive face, a lean well-shaped head,talkative eyes and a nose which leads him from misdemeanor to another....
This describes a Wire Fox Terrier perfectly. The breed was developed in England to bolt the fox from its den during a Fox Hunt. The terrier was carried in a sack or basket on the huntsmans horse to follow the hounds. When the fox escaped down a hole or crevice the hunt was stopped, the fox terrier was dropped near the entrance of the den and proceeded down the hole to "bolt" or chase the now angry fox out so the hunt could continue. It takes a fearless terrier to be willing to go down a narrow hole to den to confront an angry frieghtened fox and convince it to leave! If necessary the hunter would have to dig the dog out and pull it out of the den by it's tail- thus the tail is docked to provide a "handle" - believe me this is still useful for removing a Fox Terrier from tight places. They also kept the barns free from mice and rats
Today's Fox Terrier still retains its feisty roots. The ideal size for a Fox Terrier is 15 1/2" measured at the shoulder (for a male) and approx. 18lbs. Females are smaller & lighter. Thier size makes them ideal for country homes or city.
Will a Fox Terrier tolerate other pets?
Since he was breed to hunt vermain Fox Terriers today are capable of hunting and catching: mice,rats,rabbits,moles,birds,squirrels and other small animals. We even had one chase & catch a baby fox. They can be taught to live with cats and in fact learn to play with them. Other dogs however can pose a problem. Fox Terriers like to be in charge and they don't like to be challanged- probably why they tolerate cats. If you do have or are considering another dog it is recommended you get the opposite sex of your Fox Terrier. It is for this reason that Fox Terriers do not do well with "doggy day" care centers - especially if they are just allowed to freely roam or play. Fox Terriers do not play well with others! They can and do try to dominate or "bully" other dogs. While some do develop doggy friends or neighborhood buddies you always need to be on your guard. A Fox Terrier may not start a fight- but it will never back down from one.
Do I need a fenced in yard? Electric fence?
Fox Terriers are very curious dogs and since they have a high prey drive anything that catches their attention- a squirrel, cat, neighbors dog or the blowing leaves - can cause them to bolt and take off. All the training in the world will not stop a determined Fox Terrier! They have been known to "run" electric fences if they deem the prize is worth it. If you are going to let your Fox Terrier run "free" then it is recommended that you have a fenced area. Ours are very good inside the fenced portion and respect it. If you can't have a fenced area you can allow your Fox Terrier some freedom on a chained stake- with proper supervision. I know of some our dogs that do live in the City that go out for daily walks and get pleanty of excercise that way (as well as racing around thier homes!) Again: I don't recommend dog - parks unless it is well supervised and you are comfortable with the other dogs that maybe there.
Should I take my Fox Terrier for training?
As long as you take along pleanty of patience and a good sense of humor! Remember: Fox Terriers were bred to bolt a fox from its den- they had to think on their feet without human guidence. They hunted rats & mice and were rewarded with a warm place to sleep for the night. Even today- a Fox Terrier does things that please him if it happens to please you- well that's Ok but it is not in his nature to "please" man. That was the job of most hunting,working and herding dogs- dogs that worked "with" man. While it is recommended that you begin training and teaching your FoxTerrier from the very beginning you have to understand them. They can be stubborn and sometimes wilful. They have a mind of their own and tend to do things on their terms. When taking formal obedience classes be sure the instructor understands terrier temperments. Your Fox Terrier will not be whiz kid like the Goldens or the Shelties -but I bet he catches on faster! Fox Terriers are quick learners but they also HATE repeating something over and over. They get bored easily and a bored Fox Terrier will begin to make up his own rules or improvise! This is why you need a good sense of humor. Check out the AKC for Obedience events - Rally is a good sport that Fox Terriers seem to love because it is not as structured. When you do bring home your Fox Terrier be sure you begin to teach him right away what he can and cannot do. Be consistant and make sure everyone is on the same page - a Fox Terrier will take advantage of the situation if he can!
There is nothing cuter than an 8week old Wire Fox Terrier puppy- the ideal age to obtain a puppy is between 8-10 weeks. This is when we allow them to leave. They have learned "puppy" manners from their Mom. They are weaned and have had their puppy shots. As a small hobby breeder however, 8-10 week old puppies are not always available. As we do show our dogs we do tend to keep one or maybe two in a litter as "potential" show dogs. You cannot properly evaluate a dog for show until 12+ weeks so sometimes older puppies are available for homes that are 12wks -12mos of age. Maybe they were kept as show hopefuls but we find they really don't like going to shows or some other minor fault is found. Young adults- dogs that maybe were shown & finished or used in our breeding program also become available for good,loving homes. This is because we simply cannot keep them all! Fox Terriers love to be with thier people and are happiest being with you. Since it is impossible to do that in a small kennel we often find homes for the ones we simply cannot keep. These older puppies & dogs are ideal pets. They are usually house-trained,leash trained, used to riding in a car, used to being in a crate and have had thier shots. They are past the teething stage and while still playful they are not as destructive as puppies can be. Keep in mind Wires can live to 15-16yrs so a 2 or 3 year old Wire is still very young! I've had Wires leave here at 2,3 and even 5yrs old and even learn a new name. Wires are very adabtable dogs. We always recommend having your pet altered.
Male or Female?
This is up to the individual - but either makes a wonderful pet. Male wires are really very affectionate and loving - in fact most Wire breeders/owners feel the males are more "loving" than females! Keep in mind when looking for a puppy or dog that if you are open to either sex you will have a better chance of finding an available wire.